A small stream in Devon has turned bright blue following a pollution incident yesterday (Friday, September 11). Littleham Brook in Exmouth has changed colour because of the pollution, and people are encouraged to stay out of the water until the substance is identified.
The Environment Agency (EA) said there are no "visible environmental impacts" caused by the pollution, but as a precaution, there is advice against bathing at Exmouth beach. Last night, the source of the blue pollution was traced to an "industrial source", but it has since stopped leaking into the river.
There was an earlier sewage spill this week near Exmouth's bathing waters, but the EA has confirmed this latest substance is not linked to the sewage network. The more recent incident was reported to have started yesterday evening (Friday, September 11) at 8.33pm.
The EA added it is waiting for toxicity information on the substance and will lift the pollution warning when it is safe to do so. A spokesperson advised via X: "A bright blue substance was reported in Littleham Brook, Exmouth. We attended and found no visible environmental impacts, but issued an advice against bathing as a precaution.
"Overnight it was traced to an industrial source, but it has stopped. It is not linked to the sewage network. The pollutant is still moving downstream and is likely to reach the bathing water this afternoon.
"We’re awaiting toxicity information, so the advice against bathing on Swimfo remains. We’ll review again later and lift it when safe."
The EA's bathing quality map explains more about why the swim warning is necessary: "Exmouth bathing water is affected by the catchment surrounding the Littleham Brook, which is approximately 600 hectares, and also by the enormous Exe Estuary catchment which is approximately 150,000 hectares.
"The Littleham Brook is four and a half kilometres long and flows southwest from Littleham Village through Green Farm and Maer Farm to Maer Bridge where it is piped under the beach to the sea at Maer Rocks."
Swim Warning Issued After Devon Stream Turns Blue